European Blackjack is one of the most common variations of the game. It can be played in a variety of casinos due to the popularity of the game among many gamblers. It is usually played with two decks, which is why many players, especially card counters, decide to give it a shot. Since there are fewer decks, they have a better chance of outsmarting the casino and winning. Under liberal playing conditions, the smaller number of decks raises their odds of having the edge over the casino and winning. This version, despite its name, has spread beyond the Old Continent. Few land-based casinos in North America and Australia also offer similar no-hole-card games.
How to Play European Blackjack
For as little as two decks of cards, this game can be played. The norm is 6 to 8 decks, which provides greater defense against card counters and eliminates the need to shuffle regularly. Players position their wagers before the cards are dealt. The minimum bet is normally $5 (or equivalent) in person, but you can find games for as little as $1 online. From the dealer’s left, one card is dealt at a time (from the right from the perspective of a player at the table). Each player is dealt two face-up cards, while the dealer is dealt one face-up card. Players will be invited to take the insurance side-bet if the dealer reveals an Ace. This is half of the main bet stake, and if the dealer gets a Blackjack at the end of the round, it pays out 2:1, potentially restoring the players’ main stake. Expert players stop this bet because it has a high house side. Players will be given the option of taking another card (hit), staying with their current limit (stand), double down (take one more card but increase the bet), or splitting their hand in two if it is matched. In the European version of the game, there is normally no surrender option (giving up half of your stake in exchange for a refund). The dealer will act until both players have acted, with any hands above 21 being eliminated along with the stakes. The rules for the dealer’s decisions are set in stone ahead of time, and the player totals have no bearing on them. Dealers in some casinos will stand on a soft 17, while others will hit on the same number. The standard strategy is to keep taking cards until the number is less than 17 and then stand above it. If the dealer goes bust, all players with live hands get a 1:1 payout.
Different strategies in European Blackjack
Insurance
Insurance is a common side bet that can be found in almost any online blackjack game. This is a wager that you make if the dealer’s first card is an Ace. Insurance aims to ensure that the player does not lose money right away if the dealer hits a blackjack. The Insurance bet is worth half of the main wager, and the only way to win it is for the dealer to catch a blackjack. If the dealer does strike blackjack, the game will pay off at a 2:1 ratio, effectively helping you to recoup your initial bet while maintaining your bankroll.
Double Down
Double down is a feature used in all blackjack games that helps you to double your bet and, as a result, to double your winnings. Although certain games encourage you to use the double down alternative after hitting, these are rare and far between. When you double down, the dealer will deal you with another card, and you will be unable to take any more action. The side you have will be compared to the dealer’s after you double down.
Splitting
Splitting is another significant aspect of blackjack, and it is available if you are dealt two similar cards in hand. The game will encourage you to break your hand in half and give you an additional card for each hand. When you break a hand into two, you’ll need to make an extra bet on the second hand. Furthermore, each hand will function independently of the others, with each hand having the potential to win or lose based on the cards present.
Players will strike after splitting a hand in European Blackjack unless it’s a hand of two Aces. The player can only be dealt one card per hand in this situation, and they will stand on both. Additionally, if the value of the hand is between 9 and 11, you would be able to double down on non-Ace split hands.
Some hands should be divided, and others should be left alone. A hand with two tens, for example, should be left alone. The hand has a cumulative worth of 20, which is only one point shy of the limit, giving you a good chance of winning. Two 4s, 5s, and 9s, are other hands that can never be broken. However, there are a few hands that you can almost always break when their worth isn’t in your favor. Two 2s, 3s, 7s, 8s, and Aces, for example, can still be broken.
Surrender
Surrender is much more popular in American blackjack games like Atlantic City Blackjack and Vegas Strip Blackjack, but it is still used in a limited number of European blackjack games, so it is worth discussing. Surrender is a step you should make if you believe your site isn’t up to scratch and you’d like to get some of your money back. Surrender allows you to give up your hand and half of your original wager, with the other half returned to you. Surrender is a viable solution in certain circumstances, and it increases your chances of winning by allowing you to recover some of your money in situations where you might otherwise have lost it all.
Final thoughts
European Blackjack is unquestionably one of the most intriguing variations of the game, which is why it is still available online. It increases their odds of winning dramatically if they have a solid plan and strong skills. Plays should take their time to study the laws of this variety because several subtleties can have a significant effect on their results.
